As a fan of the cyberpunk genre, I was excited to dive into Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, an action-packed manga prequel to the Netflix anime series that has captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide. With beloved characters like Rebecca and Pilar taking center stage, the promise of fast-paced adventure and the gritty world of Night City was irresistible to me. I hoped for a thrilling narrative that would not only capture the spirit of the anime but also expand on the lore and character dynamics that fans have come to love.
From the get-go, I was impressed by the art style crafted by Asano, known for their work on the manga adaptation of BNA: Brand New Animal. The vibrant colors and dynamic character designs made the scenes come alive, transporting me into the chaos and allure of Night City. The storytelling by Bartosz Sztybor, who also wrote for the Edgerunners anime, successfully interwove themes of ambition, sibling loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in a dystopian future. Rebecca and Pilar’s journey to become legendary edgerunners, just like their father, felt relatable yet exhilarating, as they faced ruthless challenges that made the stakes feel genuinely high.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how Sztybor explored the emotional depth of the characters. Both siblings are flawed but ambitious, capturing that quintessential sense of yearning and struggle that defines much of the cyberpunk narrative. As they dive headlong into the mayhem, we witness not just their chaotic adventures, but also their inner conflicts, which enriched the overall narrative.
However, while I appreciated the focus on character development, I found some parts of the storyline to be a bit rushed. The introduction of a mysterious man who shifts the trajectory of their future added an interesting twist but left me wanting more depth in the overall plot. It felt like a lot was crammed into the book, which sometimes hindered the pacing. Some readers have pointed out similar issues, and I found myself agreeing with their sentiments. While the fast pace can be thrilling, it occasionally sacrifices thorough world-building for rapid action.
Additionally, I noticed criticism regarding the emotional resonance of certain character moments. Although I found the siblings’ bond to be compelling, a few pivotal scenes didn’t land as heavily as I had hoped. They felt a bit glossed over amid the high-octane action. Yet, I must mention that the sheer energy of the chase through Night City carries a sort of feverish excitement that kept me hooked, even if some emotional notes didn’t resonate as strongly as others.
Overall, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was a wild ride through Night City, immersive and packed with the essence of what makes the cyberpunk genre compelling. The vibrant art and the backdrop of a chaotic dystopia met my expectations for a thrilling prequel, even if the story could have benefited from a bit more depth and pacing. I found that, despite its drawbacks, it served as an engaging introduction to Rebecca and Pilar. If you’re a fan of the original anime, or simply enjoy action-packed manga that doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes, this title is worth a read.
In closing, I’d recommend Cyberpunk: Edgerunners with a solid three and a half stars. While it has its flaws, the visuals and overall energy more than make up for them. It’s an exciting venture into a world filled with madness and ambition, sure to satisfy fans eager for more from this beautifully chaotic universe.